Lunatik Athletiks provides funky, fashionable performance gear for the sporty, athletic enthusiast. We hope to motivate individuals to be active by providing them with a good reason to exercise:)

This is a new company, founded and run by Kelly Oprendek.

She is formerly of Nike Canada and an experienced triathlete. This gal knows about athletic gear and she certainly understands firsthand the needs of an endurance athlete.

Lunatik Athletiks is based in Canada, and yes - the stereotype is true. Canadians are SUPER nice. My *numerous* customer service type questions were answered quickly and in a friendly manner. Even when my package arrived, it was clear that it had been carefully handled, and it contained personal touches. If you are used to receiving parcels from mega-warehouse retailers, you will see what I mean right away. Finding a business like this, is a rare and valuable thing. And it makes me want to come back for more.

Now, onto the review!

DG and I got the opportunity to try both compression socks and sleeves.

First thing you will notice

Identifiable from a distance, Lunatik's trademark is the bright, fun colors and patterns. And what DG was very excited about: they didn't forget the guys! Yes, Lunatik has offerings for women and men!

Lunatik Athletiks is super excited to be carrying a line of branded compression wear. We've done extensive research on materials and brought in some top notch designs to allow our athletes to make a fashion statement while staying fit!

(from the Lunatik Athletiks site)

And I agree. Whether you are a brand new athlete or an experienced one - compression feels great while it is on, and it helps you feel better after you take it off. Name your sport: running, tri, tennis, soccer, hockey, basketball, cycling, etc... Recovery from training and competition is key, and many athletes will tell you - compression leaves your legs feeling rested and ready to go again sooner than without.

So, how do you decide: Socks or Sleeves?

Lunatik Athletiks put together a great little comparison here that you should check out.

Some of you will find, you need BOTH the sleeves AND socks, as you may have multiple needs.

The sleeves are perfect for your long runs of course. But this being summer, we are in search of cooler temps, and are hitting up many of the wooded trails in our area. So even on a short run, the sleeves work as a protective layer against branches, roots, and stinging insects.

DisneyGroom feeling good after nine miles in sleeves

I've taken the plunge to train for my first triathlon event, and that meant dusting off my bike. The sleeves kept my legs feeling fresh for the ride, and protected from gravel and road debris kicking up from my tires.

Tri training with sleeves

Lunatik's sock line is called ZUZA. And this has a broader selection of prints and colors available. There are even some socks that match Lunatik's supercute running skirts!

We both found the socks comfortable and very wearable, offering moderate compression. I will caveat that with the fact that we are both accustomed to wearing supertight, can-barely-roll-on 'sausage casing-like' compression socks. So these were smoother going on. We wore them to sleep, to the movies, going out to dinner, for long and short runs, to the office (under long pants), around the house, and for running errands.

In fact, I'd put these on after a long training run or a race and keep them on while you go about your day. We both agreed that we would recommend these as a first pair of compression socks - due to the versatility and comfort.

Hitting our local trails with Lunatik Athletik's ZUZA socks!

So, are you excited for a pair of socks now? Because Lunatik Athletiks has generously offered to giveaway a pair of socks to one of our readers!

And if you can't wait for the giveaway to be over, enjoy this generous discount code for 25% off your order: lntk25

The code is valid through the entire month of July 2013. It can be used towards any purchase from their site: socks, sleeves, or skirts!

Terms of the Giveaway:

1) Giveaway ends July 14th midnight. Winner will be announced and notified on July 15th!

2) Giveaway is open to international participants! Lunatik has generously agreed to ship the socks to the winner, wherever he or she may be.

3) Enter using the rafflecopter below and GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveawayDisclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. DG and I each received socks and sleeves shown above in exchange for this review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions stated are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”